Provincial government guidelines protect the Grove

Posted Jan 26, 2012 By Russ Corbett

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To the editor:

This letter is further to my letters of Dec. 1 and Dec. 22, 2011, on the subject of development on the subject property next to Gillies Grove.

The provincial ministry of housing published a provincial policy statement - 2005 as a blueprint for municipalities to design their Official Plan.

Section 2 of PPS states: "The diversity and connectivity of natural features in an area, and the long-term ecological function and biodiversity of natural heritage systems, should be maintained, restored or, where possible, improved, recognizing linkages between and among natural heritage features and areas, surface water features, and ground water features."

Following this provincial policy guideline, the Town of Arnprior wrote an Official Plan in order to ensure the "wise use and management of resources."

Both Gillies Grove and the Vydon property are designated as Natural Heritage Areas.

As such, the OP provides for "water setbacks" of 30 metres for development, development and site alteration within a wetland is prohibited, development and site alteration is not permitted in the significant habitat of endangered species and threatened species, development and site alteration is not permitted in the significant habitat of endangered species and threatened species, development and site alteration within or adjacent to (within 50 metres) a significant woodland area may be permitted if it is demonstrated that there will be no negative impacts on the ecological functions for which the area is identified.

"Wet creek habitat of the Vydon property (source of frogs, snake habitat for Red Shouldered Hawks, Barred Owls, etc.) is listed in the Town's Official Plan as "valuable extension and diversity of Grove habitats."

The attached photo is of a White Tailed doe that gave birth in shelter of the Grove and sourced grasses and water from the Vydon property.

Russ Corbett

Arnprior